Volunteer

Serve on a Board, Committee, Commission, Council, or Task Force

Much of the business of town government is conducted by appointed volunteers who contribute generously of their time and effort. The Town of Andover currently has numerous appointed commissions, councils, and committees with members typically serving three-year terms. Although the frequency of meetings varies depending on the responsibilities and workload of the particular commission, council, or committee, most conduct meetings either monthly or biweekly.

If you are interested in serving your town as an appointed volunteer, please fill out an online Talent Bank Form. When vacancies occur on a particular commission, council, or committee, the appointing authority will typically review the forms on file and seek input from the remaining members for finding a replacement. For additional information on a specific commission, council or committee, please contact the chairperson or a member thereof. Thank you.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Many Departments and Divisions have opportunities for volunteering. Below is not a complete list but provides a representative example of available opportunities. Contact the Town Manager's office if you have any questions about this information 978-623-8210.

Conservation Interns – High School and University students may apply for an internship related to Conservation projects. Bob Douglas / Lynn Viselli 978-623-8630 conservation@andoverma.gov

Merrimack Valley Medical Reserve Corps - In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, thousands of Americans responded by volunteering their talents and skills to help others. At the time many citizens asked “What can I do to help?” In response, the President of the United States formed the Citizen Corps to create local opportunities for individuals to help their communities prepare for and respond to large scale emergencies. The Medical Reserve Corps is the component of the Citizen Corps that unites health professionals, fire and police departments, the Red Cross and others willing to help their community in a crisis. Our local Greater River Valley Medical Reserve Corps is comprised of Andover, North Andover, Methuen, Lawrence, Reading, North Reading and Lynnfield, and Wilmington could use your help.

Volunteers are needed that can assist local, existing medical response teams in helping our area deal with a catastrophic emergency (e.g., influenza epidemic, flood, hazardous material spill). While doctors and nurses can provide direct care during an emergency, persons without health care experience can assist with many essential functions. Non-medical members are needed to support patient registration, direct traffic, transport materials and provide support to fill the diverse needs that can arise during a disaster. It is necessary for the public safety to have a group of pre-credentialed, pre-trained volunteers. Without this group, emergency support services have no practical way of providing for a medical surge and outreach during a large scale health crisis.

The Medical Reserve Corps recognizes that many volunteers have limited time. Therefore, volunteers can customize their level of activity by choosing their own personal level of involvement. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers are asked to fill out an application form and attend an initial orientation. They are further asked to participate in one training, exercise or response each year. If you are interested in helping please contact the Greater River Valley MRC at GRVMRC@gmail.com. Volunteers who are sixteen to eighteen years old must have parental permission to join. All trainings are free of charge.